Gambrill State Park Campground's pet-friendly tent and RV sites offer camping options just outside Frederick, Maryland. The park provides electric hookups at select sites and a central water spigot for convenience, while maintaining a heavily wooded atmosphere that creates privacy between campsites. Dogs must remain leashed throughout the camping areas and on all trails. Little Bennett Campground and Brunswick Family Campground also welcome pets with designated pet-friendly tent sites, RV spaces, and select cabins. Bathhouse facilities are well-maintained with hot showers at most locations. Reviewers note the Rock Run camping area features level sites with nicely shaded areas and short distances to water access points, making it convenient for campers with dogs.
Hiking trails throughout these campgrounds accommodate pets with varying difficulty levels suitable for different abilities. The nearby Catoctin Mountain Park trails connect with several pet-friendly camping areas, though campers should be prepared for encounters with local wildlife including foxes and occasional black bears. Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA, located approximately 30 minutes from Buckeystown, provides additional pet-friendly camping options with amenities including full hookup sites and pet exercise areas. The campground's proximity to the Potomac River offers water access for dogs that enjoy swimming. Seasonal considerations include checking for tick prevention in warmer months and planning for cooler overnight temperatures in spring and fall. Site 16 at Gambrill provides the most seclusion from other campers while maintaining reasonable access to facilities.
"Quiet woods in Maryland about 30 or 40 miles north of DC. Tenting, and RV spots partial to full service. Just of hiway 270. pricey ($66/night) for a state park, but nice."
"PROS Very nice small Montgomery County Park
No reservation fee to make on-line reservations
Reserved 137 days prior to arriving
Entrance gate required entry code Instructed by staff via gate phone"
$23 - $29 / night
"There are four loops; two with no hookups and no pets allowed, one with no hookups that allow pets and one with electric sites that allow pets."
"My partner and our two dogs loved this campground! We were in the dogwood loop. Positives
* Big, immaculately groomed tent pads
* Mostly tent campers!"
$40 - $80 / night
"This place is right outside the gate of Harpers Ferry NP. We walked to the shuttle bus stop. It is a very large KOA, and was almost empty when we visited in September."
"We set up camp at Harpers Ferry/Civil War Battlefields KOA Holiday as our launchpad to visit the historic sites in and around Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, and Frederick, Maryland. "
$18 - $50 / night
"It is located in Frederick, about an hour outside of Baltimore and Washington D.C. Though the campground is small, each site looks pretty unique. It offers tent sites, electric sites, and 4 cabins."
"The site was very level, nicely shaded, and positioned a short distance from the bath house. There was also a water spigot located right at the entrance of the site."
$10 - $90 / night
"Overall great camp ground only thing I noticed is at some of the RV sites the hook ups are in crazy spots some are In the neighboring sites area so you have to drag extensions around them."
"Picked this location because it is close to our home in Silver Spring, MD but far enough to make us feel like we were leaving town."
$23 - $29 / night
"Deer Spring Loop is near the top of the mountain. This is not a pet friendly loop.
Site 112 is level, mostly shaded, backs up to the woods and has electric.
The site is between two cabins."
"This site is at the very top of the loop so it has a great cozy vibe and is spaced well away from other sites. The only downside is that the bathhouse is a walk downhill and then a walk back uphill."
"If you would like to do some exploring, then you can walk the trail right next to the campground into the historical town of Harper's Ferry (If you’re facing the river then the trail is to the right of"
"Harper's Ferry is a little town in WV nestled right next to the Potomac River. It's also a convenient halfwayish point on the Appalachian Trail."
$21 - $65 / night
"Not a fan of kids running around through sites. The Elderberry and Deer Spring loops are no pets, but I’d like to see a no kids policy too. Kidding!"
"Nestled away in the Catoctin Mountains, it lands further away from Camp David, so the likelihood of it being negatively affected during dignitary or presidential visits is slim."
$30 / night
"Our campsite was quiet with the creek right behind us and had lots of privacy. This place is a great campground to go during summer as it's tucked in the mountains with lots of tree coverage."
"My only complaint is that the fire ring is a little too close to the main road. This is true for most of the sites. However the tent pad was set back in the woods and it was very peaceful."
$10 / night
"All the sites are very open and run along the multi-use trail. People are constantly walking, running, and biking by."
"Pretty standard campground—the perks are it’s location to nearby attractions and the river/creek. It depends on what you’re looking for—easy camping and proximity to Antietam and Harper’s? Golden."
GuideWe stayed for 10 days in a rustic cabin. Campground is well organized and clean. Tons of activities and even a hiking path. Pet friendly with small dog park. We had civil war soldiers drilling and staying the weekend we were there. Bathrooms are super clean.
TravelerWe began our membership here this June. it has a great atmosphere on the banks of the Shenandoah River. There are activities every weekend like concerts and group activities. Staff is very friendly and helpful. The facilities are clean and very convenient. Pet friendly; two dog parks.
GuideWe have a motorhome with no additional vehicle and two dogs, and this site couldn’t have been more perfect for us. A dog park, walking distance to most everything we wanted to see. The national park is mostly dog friendly. My husband caught a fish first day in the pond behind our site. The staff was super friendly and welcoming.
LegendThis place is right outside the gate of Harpers Ferry NP. We walked to the shuttle bus stop. It is a very large KOA, and was almost empty when we visited in September. The original site the gave us had a large rut and washed out spot, so we could not get level. I checked in the office and the reassigned another space that was much better. Full hook ups, nice clean shower and bathrooms, playground, pool, large dog park.
ScoutOverall great camp ground only thing I noticed is at some of the RV sites the hook ups are in crazy spots some are In the neighboring sites area so you have to drag extensions around them. Also the pool and dog park isn’t on site you have to leave to go to it.
TravelerThe staff and seasonal campers are all very friendly. The bathrooms are incredibly clean. We love all the games there are to play and the dog park is our favorite spot. Overall, it's peaceful and quiet in a nice, wooded setting.
RangerGreat campground for families. Large water park that goes to 3 ft. Playgrounds, dog park, canteen, mini golf, jumping pillow, laser tag, pedal cars, gem mining are just some of the amenities. Very pricey during peak season. We did the camp & store at about $50/night.
ScoutThis campground is far enough away from home but at the same time close enough for a weekend camping trip. Nice level spots for RVs. A pet area as well as a non-pet area. A lake with a beach, as well as being close to the AT. Close to Gettysburg as well.
RangerThis is a campers dream site. Everything you can think of is offered here. You have to check their website to see all. This is the closest site to Washington DC. Great location with access to all forms of transportation. Store fully stocked to include groceries. Two pools. Hot tub. Play areas to include a game room and miniature golf. Pets are pampered here. Even dog walking service available.
Camping options near Buckeystown, Maryland, stretch across the Catoctin Mountain area with elevations ranging from 350 to 1,900 feet. The region's forests consist primarily of oak, hickory, and maple trees, creating a dense canopy that moderates summer temperatures. Most campgrounds in the area maintain relatively level sites despite the mountainous terrain, with ground conditions typically consisting of gravel or woodchip tent pads.
Creek exploration: Access points at Antietam Creek Campground provide opportunities to wade in the Potomac River. "Beautiful walk-in sites along river and C&O canal," notes reviewer Mike V., highlighting the dual water features accessible from camp.
Historic site visits: The Harpers Ferry area offers connections to Civil War history within a short drive. "Harpers Ferry is a beautiful place to hike, camp and visit," explains Annie S. from Harpers Ferry Campground. The area allows visitors to combine outdoor activities with educational opportunities at preserved battlefields and historic towns.
Trail connectivity: The network of paths through Catoctin Mountain accommodates various hiking abilities. According to Butch B. at Greenbrier State Park Campground, "Hike from visitor center to AT is steep and rocky," referencing the connection to the Appalachian Trail that runs through the region. This allows for day hikes or longer backpacking routes directly from camping areas.
Privacy levels: Tent sites at Gambrill State Park Campground offer more seclusion than many regional options. "Site 16 will get you furthest away from other campers and give you some privacy," notes Danny W., providing specific advice for campers seeking solitude.
Water access: Swimming opportunities exist at several area campgrounds during summer months. At Greenbrier State Park, Elinor observed, "Was excited about the lake until we got there... was very crowded and noisy with happy screaming children. But for that, nice lawn and sand areas for sitting and enjoying the lake view."
Night sky viewing: The area's distance from major cities creates opportunities for stargazing. According to a Cunningham Falls camper named Napunani, there's "great night sky viewing as no lights whatsoever in camping loops except for toilet/shower buildings," noting the specific lack of light pollution within the camping areas.
Train noise: Several campgrounds along the Potomac River experience railroad disruptions. At Brunswick Family Campground, reviewer Sherri C. noted, "Brunswick train station and depot is just a few hundred feet away and you can hear trains at all times of the night," providing important context for light sleepers.
Site selection importance: Campground layout significantly affects experience quality. A reviewer at Owens Creek Campground mentioned, "Liked the lot as the tent pad was set back a good way from the road, but the fire ring was awkwardly close to the neighboring campsite," illustrating how site selection impacts comfort.
Cell service variability: Connectivity differs dramatically between campgrounds. At Owens Creek Campground, one camper reported "cell phone service!" as a significant positive, while others note spotty coverage throughout the region, particularly in more mountainous areas.
Weather considerations: The area experiences significant seasonal temperature variations. At Cunningham Falls State Park, a camper noted, "It rained most of the weekend, but we still had a blast!" highlighting the need for rain gear even during normally dry periods.
Kid-friendly amenities: Several pet friendly camping options near Buckeystown, Maryland include dedicated children's facilities. At Little Bennett Campground, Georgia H. shared, "Great campground with activities for kids on special days. Took our grand daughter there for her first camping trip and she loved the bouncing strawberry and the hikes. She was 3 or 4 at the time."
Educational opportunities: The region's historical significance offers learning experiences. At Harpers Ferry, families can combine camping with educational visits to preserved battlefields, museums, and historic buildings, making this area particularly valuable for school-age children studying American history.
Noise considerations: Campground atmosphere varies significantly between locations. At Cunningham Falls State Park, campers note that the William Houck Camping Area provides a "quiet campground" ideal for families seeking less disruption, while campsites closer to recreation areas tend to be noisier during peak season.
Hookup availability: Water and electric connections vary between campgrounds. According to Ray & Terri F., Little Bennett Campground offers "very spacious, level, and heavily wooded sites with 50A service, water and sewer hookup. D Loop is for RVs, A, B, C& E are tents only."
Access challenges: Several area campgrounds have limitations for larger vehicles. At Cunningham Falls State Park Manor Area, a camper noted, "Parking pads are 22', so take that into consideration if you are trailering/RVing," providing critical information about size restrictions.
Leveling requirements: RV sites at some campgrounds require significant adjustment. A reviewer at Cunningham Falls State Park shared, "Site#D69 level side-to-side but we were forced to greatly elevate front of trailer to level front-to-back," indicating the need for substantial leveling equipment at some locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Buckeystown, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Buckeystown, MD is Little Bennett Campground with a 4-star rating from 23 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Buckeystown, MD?
TheDyrt.com has all 99 dog-friendly camping locations near Buckeystown, MD, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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